Old-Salt

You can only sign for it on or after the date you pass the eight year point. The bonus run is roughly 13th of each month so even if you could sign for it early you wouldn't get paid it until Feb pay day.

Swinger

Your clerk should have a copy of the form (They can get it from the JSP 754), so you don't have to wait until the 13th. However you do have to wait until you are eligable for the bonus before you sign for it.